The event featured eight contestants, broken into two heats of four, with each heat consisting of two 5-minute feasts separated by a 10-minute break.

“I was just trying to keep my steady pace and trying to breathe, just trying to make sure I fit it all down,” said Brennan, a former Bridgeport resident who currently lives in Kimberton.

Helping Brennan keep up his pace was runner-up Brian DeStefano, who was seated just one spot to the right of Brennan and finished the competition with 271 mussels consumed, only eight off the pace.

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Although their proximity certainly helped motivate Brennan, it was not just DeStefano who pushed him to victory, as the top four finishers all competed in the second heat.

“Nobody really slacked off at the end, especially in the second half,” said Brennan.

For DeStefano, who came decked out in green slacks, a green jacket, and a green bowler hat, this year’s event must have felt like déjà vu as he finished in second place last year as well. However, he was able to take consolation in the fact that he has improved every year he has participated and actually set a personal best with Sunday’s performance.

“This is the best I’ve done, so far,” said an optimistic DeStefano. “It seems like every year I move up at least by 10. Last year, I did 261, this 271.”

If that trend continues, DeStefano will come close to the all-time record of 284 mussels, although he will still have to compete with Brennan, who, when asked if he planned on defending his crown next year, responded only with “darn right,” as he laughed and walked away with his trophy in hand and a certificate good for free mussels every Monday night for a year.

Prior to the start of the competition, the Irish Thunder Pipe and Drum Band marched into Chick’s and performed several songs before the gluttony got underway, and, 1,800 mussels later, the group closed out the event with several more songs.

Proceeds from the Mussel Bowl, which is held annually on the Sunday before the Super Bowl and serves as the kickoff point for the countdown to the Conshohocken St. Patrick’s Parade, will go to the Ancient Order of Hibernians Notre Dame Division, which helps in the community with everything from clothing and food drives to educational efforts.

“Anything you can think of, we do,” said Rae DiSpaldo, the secretary of the AOH parade committee.

Other events planned by the AOH Notre Dame Division include the annual Irish Coffee Contest on March 14 and the Grand Marshal’s Ball on March 9.